oh hi

Birdy is playing with Mr. and Mrs. Potato head. I was tempted to get her another Mrs. and have them be Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head with Extra Lesbian Lover. But I didn't, even though it would be culturally relevant since we are so close to San Francisco. But it made me chuckle anyway. She might show up regardless; if so, I'm sure photos will follow.

She insists on making potato versions of Brandon and myself. I usually have wings instead of ears, and wear high heels. Anyone who knows me knows I look like that all the time.  Except for when I wear my flowered hat and 3 purses.

It's sunny and nice and California like here. Is it still winter where you are? That's too bad. Perhaps you should move down here. Stanford is hiring.

I'm thinking about it, HM.

a bit of a loner

Continuing with the theme of adolescent-humor movie themes, we're moving on to The Hangover.

Let's be clear: I'm not really a fan. I've seen it twice, and both times it was a little (lot) bit much for me. And the end credits? With the photos? And the "eeuuwww"? You know? Yeah, you know. My favorite part is about the first 30 minutes. Specifically, the scenes with Zach Galifianakis. Like the wolfpack thing.

So.

I had checked out several books on running from the library two weeks ago. Because you might not know this internets, but I have reached the tipping point with running. I'm going to do it. For the last year, when I've pictured myself happy, satisfied, and excited about life, I've pictured myself running. I'm out on a run, wearing something cute (because when you are imagining things, you can wear what you want. Ask Anne Shirley.), and its awesome. Its amazing. And I decided its time for me to get out of my dreams and get into my car, if you get me.

So. I checked out these books, loaded my little mp3 player up with the Outlander audio tape (yes, I exercise to a book on tape. I have become the most boring person you know.), and planned to head out to the Y. I did some thinking and realized that in my imagination, I was running outside, not on a treadmill. So I decided to run outside, which is something I've only done once since high school gym class. I was going to be a lone wolf, running free at night wherever the paths on campus took me. But then I realize that I have seen way too many Law & Orders to run by myself at night, regardless of the location.

So then I asked my friend Nicole to come with on my first run last Tuesday. And then she said yes. And then I asked Laura, and she said yes, and then Laura asked Lesley. And now my lone wolf pack has become four.

Four!

We can run outside of campus at night! Like some sort of slightly to very overweight fitness gang! I'm in a gang! In California!

This kind of exciting life has always seemed to allude me. But not now. I'm in a gang. And we run. And then walk. BUT THEN WE RUN AGAIN. If you are thinking of messing with us, you better be able to run/walk better than us. And that is a debatable skill.

The goal of the running gang/wolfpack is to be in the San Jose Rock 'N Roll Half Marathon next year. Next year, you ask? Yes. Next year. Its not a secret that I'm chubby. I don't want to get hurt, and I do want to run. So I'm doing a 13 week training plan to do a 10k and then I'm moving on to a 26 week half-marathon training plan. And then, in October, I'm going to do a half marathon. Which seems so ludicrous. Thirteen miles? Me? Not in car? I know, right? But it's going to happen.

So, watch out for the roving gang of moderately paced women. One of us wears a weight vest, and she's not afraid to use it.

I've been thinking about that movie Knocked Up.

I first saw Knocked Up when I was barely pregnant. I was still wondering who was going to be my doctor, as my current doctor was also pregnant and would not be around when I was to be delivering the current blob of cells residing in my uterus. So I went to see Knocked Up with my friend Anita, as something fun to do, as I realized my propensity of being able to do fun things planned just an hour before was slipping, like the days of our lives, through the hourglass of time. Depressing, no? But that is how it was in my mind.

So, I went to see Knocked Up with Anita and it was funny, and it didn't make think about things like plot, or denouement, or if some demon was going to be coming though the door to eat someone's soul. It was just a good time. And then we saw our professor sitting two rows ahead with some other guy. We talked about throwing popcorn at his head to get his attention, but for some reason decided against it. At the end of the movie, we went over and said hi and met the friend, who happened to be a doctor. A doctor I was thinking about having as my doctor. For the blob of cells. I realized immidiately I could not have this person who I met socially at a movie about people getting knocked up be my doctor for the time I was knocked up. It simply couldn't happen.

So anyway.

The main reason I was thinking about Kocked Up recently was because of the scene where Paul Rudd is talking to Seth Rogan, while Paul's kids are playing. Paul is talking about how he wishes he was excited for anything as much as his kids were excited about bubbles. And, how their enjoyment just pointed our your inability to enjoy anything. And wow, isn't that true?

What do I (or you) like as much as my daughter likes bubbles? Or the swing? Or slides? Or counting to four (technically, she says 1, 2, 3, 8) and running to me to get a hug?

I mean, I like a lot of things. I like sitting at the table when everyone is either asleep or gone and reading a book. I like baking. I like seeing friends. I like it when it's windy enough for the leaves to move in trees. I like airplanes. I like coffee. But none of those things will get me running around and laughing like a hyena like anything Birdy likes.

Where did she learn to enjoy things like that? And when did we forget?

these two

These guys, let me tell you. They are thick as thieves When we were in Washington, Birdy would look forward to when Grampa would come home--seriously, it was the highlight of her day. When Grandpa was around, no one pushed the swing as well, no one had better shoulders for sitting on, no one made weird enough noises. It was great seeing the two of them become friends, and it's only a matter of time before they start ganging up on me like we did to my mom.

'smores

Best summer treat ever.

Also, a giant burn pile that doesn't burn down the house is also a pretty good treat at any time of the year.

i really hate this toy

This toy is sucking my will to live while simultaniously feeding Bridy's dance fever.

baby june

I have the awesome privilege to be in Chambana with my best good friend Brianna and her husband to celebrate the newest addition to my extended family. June was born just a few days ago, and has been so much fun to watch, cuddle, and sniff. Oh, the sniffing! New babies smell so nice.

Birdy is off gallivanting with her cousin Brenna in Vancouver and having the time of her young life. The Hoosband is playing all the music he wants and eating Hot Pockets. I think it's a win-win for everyone.

birdy's bookshelf

Birdy loves a good naptime or bedtime story. These are the current favorites...what were yours as a kid?

oh, have you been here all along?

Um...hello?

Hello?

Anyone here?

No? I guess I understand. It's been, well, a while. Sorry for that. I go through periods where I'm totally in to writing and post a lot (or write a lot in Word or my journal) and then periods of silence for whatever reason. For the last month, I just haven't felt like I have had anything to say, which is sad, because a lot of fun stuff happened.

Here's a little list of interesting things that have developed since my last post:

• I had wine in a theatre
• Remember Me is a terrible movie. I recommend bringing wine with you when you see it.
• I had brie in a toasted sandwich. Sorry cheddar, move on over.
• We celebrated Birdy's birthday.
• I made an 11 layer cake.
• I've gotten in to geneology. I have a relative named Orris!
• I haven't lost any weight.
• But I have been more active.
• But I haven't lost weight.
• I'm planning on cooking dinner that involves tofu for my family tomorrow. Any and all well wishes appriciated.
• The Hoosband's parents visited.
• I've been to the Tech Museum.
• I had to watch the Star Trek movie.
• I bought an AWESOME rug at Ikea.
• Many of you are jealous that there are 2 Ikeas within an hour of here.
• I just think that might be a good reason for YOU to come and visit us!
• My brother, my friend Anita, and my friend Jessica are going to visit in the next month.
• I love my brother.
• Birdy is a terrible two year old.
• Birdy is also an incredibly sweet two year old.
• We welcome any and all two year old parenting advice.
• I've taken some great photos. Perhaps you will see them before the year 2050 ends.
• Did I mention the sweet Ikea rug? It's sweet. It's also red.
• MSN messenger now works on my computer. Let's chat, amigos!
• I discovered an amazing curry sauce in, of all things, a Weight Watchers cookbook.
• I haven't lost any weight. I blame the curry sauce. It turns out that just becuase it's a WW recipe doesn't mean you can't just drink glasses of it. Weird, I know.
• Parenthood is an amazing show. Please to watch and enjoy.
• Birdy got a guitar (ukelele) from my Best Good Friend Brianna. She now walks around strumming and singing the alphabet song from A-F.

So, here's to a month with more in-depth hard-hittting information about your favorite California girl. Unless you have another girl who is a bigger favorite. If that's the case, then I hope I'm your number 2 girl. At best your number 5.

If it's lower than number 5, I don't want to hear about it.